Lok Sabha approves Waqf Bill following a 12-hour long debate

Lok Sabha Approves Waqf Amendment Bill After Marathon 12-Hour Debate

In a session that stretched well past midnight, the Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2023 following an exhaustive debate that saw heated exchanges between treasury and opposition benches. The legislation, which proposes sweeping reforms to the management of Islamic charitable endowments, was approved after nearly 12 hours of discussion marked by both consensus and confrontation.  

The bill introduces several key changes including mandatory digitization of all Waqf properties, creation of a centralized national database, stricter penalties for encroachment, and extended tenures for Waqf board CEOs. Proponents argue these measures will bring much-needed transparency to an institution that controls an estimated 800,000 properties across India worth lakhs of crores.  

Union Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani led the government's defense of the legislation, telling Parliament, "For decades, Waqf properties have suffered from mismanagement and illegal occupation. This bill provides the legal teeth needed to protect these important community assets." She emphasized that digitizing records would help recover thousands of encroached properties while preventing future land grabs.  

The opposition response was sharply divided. While some members welcomed the proposed reforms in principle, concerns were raised about potential overreach. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi warned, "Centralizing control undermines the autonomy of state Waqf boards and could lead to bureaucratic interference in religious matters." Congress leader Shashi Tharoor questioned the rushed process, noting, "Such significant legislation deserves wider consultation with stakeholders before being pushed through."  

The debate took an emotional turn when several Muslim MPs shared stories of historic Waqf properties being illegally occupied for decades. "In my constituency alone, 22 Waqf properties worth crores are under illegal occupation with no action for years," revealed one opposition member.  

Legal experts remain divided on the bill's implications. Former Waqf Board chairman Mehboob Ali termed it "a watershed moment for Islamic endowments," while property rights activist Neha Sharma cautioned that "without proper safeguards, digitization could be misused to erase legitimate claims."  

As the bill moves to the Rajya Sabha, community leaders across the country are closely watching its progress. Many hope the reforms will finally resolve long-pending disputes over Waqf lands, though some fear it may open new controversies. The late-night vote capped one of the most intense parliamentary sessions in recent memory, setting the stage for further debate when the upper house takes up the measure in coming days.